How to Go Solar

Do you own your own roof? Does your roof receive a lot of sunlight? Does your roof need to be repaired in the near future? 

Improving your home’s energy efficiency will reduce the amount of solar energy you need to produce. Upgrading your lighting to LED fixtures will reduce your energy consumption and lower your bills. Consider replacing out-of-date appliances and air conditioners with more energy efficient models. Find other ways to make your home more energy efficient through our partner 3C-REN. 

Use Google’s Project Sunroof tool to see the solar capacity of your property. 

3C-REN offers help in finding solar and storage contractors. Contractors must have a valid Santa Barbara Business License. Get at least three bids or quotes and at least three references from each bidder. Hire only CA state-licensed contractors with a valid license, which is either Photovoltaic (PV) Generation System: C-10 and C- 46; or B (General) license. Check contractor license numbers with the Contractors State License Board or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752). 

• An upfront purchase eliminates borrowing costs and initiates a bill savings stream. Financing the system over time eliminates the need for upfront capital and the monthly payments may be less than the bill savings. 
• Financing the system over time eliminates the need for upfront capital and the monthly payments may be less than the bill savings. 
• Leasing a system requires no money down, can still save money, and the lessor will repair or replace the equipment as needed. 

If you need additional help, review the CPUC Solar Consumer Protection Guide for more information.

• Your contractor will  apply for a permit with Construction and Land Development.  
• On-Demand Permitting – Solar Photovoltaic with Optional Energy Storage  
  For contractors: The City is improving the permitting process for solar photovoltaic with optional energy storage system projects with On-Demand Permitting (ODP). ODP removes the plan check phase, as long as the proposed project meets minimum requirements. Solar photovoltaic systems rated up to 40kW AC with optional energy storage systems are now available through ODP.   
• Get your on-demand permit through Accela Citizen Access.

Your contractor can begin installation after receiving the necessary permit. Make sure to turn on your system only after receiving City of Santa Barbara permits and completing the Southern California Edison (SCE) interconnection process.